DiClad Laminates by Arlon

DiClad laminates are woven fiberglass/PTFE composite materials for use as printed circuit board substrates. Using precise control of the fiberglass/PTFE ratio, DiClad laminates offer a range of choices from the lowest dielectric constant and dissipation factor to a more highly reinforced laminate with better dimensional stability.

The woven fiberglass reinforcement in DiClad products provides greater dimensional stability than nonwoven fiberglass reinforced PTFE based laminates of similar dielectric constants. The consistency and control of the PTFE coated fiberglass cloth allows Arlon to offer a greater variety of dielectric constants and produces a laminate with better dielectric constant uniformity than comparable non-woven fiberglass reinforced laminates. The coated fiberglass plies in DiClad materials are aligned in the same direction. Cross-plied versions of many of these materials are available as Arlon CuClad materials.

DiClad laminates are frequently used in filter, coupler and low noise amplifier applications, where dielectric constant uniformity is critical. They are also used in power dividers and combiners, where low loss is important.

DiClad 522 and DiClad 527 (Er=2.40−2.65) use a higher fiberglass/PTFE ratio to provide mechanical properties approaching conventional substrates. Other advantages include better dimensional stability and lower thermal expansion in all directions. The electrical properties of DiClad 522 and 527 are tested at 1 MHz and 10 GHz, respectively.